Rhema Marvanne was three years old when her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and when she was six years old, Mom passed away at age 36. It was November 2008.

As Rhema missed Mom, Dad taught her gospel songs.

After the tears, pains, and grief, Rhema, who had received the gift of singing and the faith in Christ from Mom, became a gospel singer at age 7.
A new sprout appeared after a grain of wheat fell into the ground. God created a new hope out of the desperation.

Listening to her singing, I can’t help thinking that she knows not only the suffering of life but also God’s Grace.

I pray that God will protect her and guide her to flourish outside and inside with beauty and strength as much as Mom.

Being invited by a friend, I went to see Pageant of Our Lord at Rolling Hills Covenant Church. It was a powerful inspiring show of a human size replication of Biblical famous art with human manikins, choirs, full orchestras, and narrations.

I was very moved, and appreciated all presentations, but especially one of music peace called, “ Via Dolorosa” impressed me so much that all night long even after I got home, I listened to it from Youtube over and over meditating about Jesus. The pageant, the song, and many memories of Israel I visited last year made me feel Jesus’ Love so deeply that my heart ached.

No other gods but Jesus is the only one, who chose to suffer and die for me taking away my Sin. He, His father, and Holy Spirit are my beloved God. If I have Jesus, I don’t need anything else. I love Him very much!

Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street
But the crowd pressed in to see
A Man condemned to die on Calvary
He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out for His death

(chorus)
Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

Although I received the next options from Dr. Slamon, thinking of being off the treatment already for a month, my heart was overcast with anxiety, again. Yet at the church, my anxiety was replaced with peace.

Lyrics of the songs and the message of the pastor touched my heart.
The smiles and the kind words from everyone comforted me.
Testimonies of friends’ faith journeys deepened my appreciation for them, and as I thought how blessed I am being surrounded by such outstanding sisters and brothers in Christ, I was filled by God’s tender love and my gratitude overcame the anxiety. Though I had to change my posture several times at a pew being attacked by muscle cramps, I was even joyous.

God loves me. He is with me. Then even if I go down to the “ valley of the shadow of death” I don’t have to be afraid of anything. Even if my body falls apart, God is preparing for me a new body, which will never be sick or die. For the ones who believe in Christ, death is not the end but the beginning of the glory. It is a victory! I was encouraged.